ADU & Laneway House Design Guide for BC
BC ADU and laneway house guide: garden suites, laneway houses, carriage houses. Lot requirements, costs ($250K-$550K), and municipal permissions.
ADU & Laneway House Guide for BC
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and laneway houses offer a lower-cost entry into multi-unit development. At $250K-$550K, they add a rental unit to your property without full multiplex construction.
ADU Types in BC
- Garden suite: Detached unit in rear yard
- Laneway house: Detached unit accessed from lane
- Carriage house: Unit above detached garage
- BC catalogue: 3 standardized ADU designs available
- Typical size: 500-900 sqft, 1-2 bedrooms
ADU vs Multiplex
ADUs are simpler and cheaper than multiplexes but generate far less income ($2,000-$2,500/month vs $8,000-$12,000+). If your lot supports a multiplex, the returns are dramatically better. VanPlex analyzes both options for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does an ADU or laneway house cost?
- ADU construction costs range from $250K-$550K depending on size and finishes. Smaller and simpler than multiplexes but lower returns.
- Can I build an ADU and a multiplex?
- Total units on your lot cannot exceed the SSMUH maximum (4-6). An ADU counts as one unit. A multiplex uses all your units in the main building.
- What rental income does a laneway house generate?
- Laneway houses in Metro Vancouver rent for $2,000-$2,500/month — good for a single unit but far less than multiplex income ($8,000-$12,000+/month).
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